Metro Health, University of Michigan launch new affiliation for healthcare

Effective Dec. 15, Metro Health and the University of Michigan will embark on an affiliation that builds upon the strengths of the world-class U-M academic medical center and a very successful community-based health system. Together the two organizations will focus on bringing increased health care innovation to west Michigan and beyond.

Metro Health leaders expect the affiliation will allow them to continue to build on the organization’s culture, attention to high-quality, patient-centric care and expert care teams.

“This is a transformational day for health care in west Michigan,” said Michael Faas, president and chief executive officer of Metro Health. “Our affiliation with the University of Michigan will help ensure our patients and the people of west Michigan continue to have access to great quality care and choice when they consider their health care needs. U-M and Metro Health doctors will work alongside each other to provide the latest, most advanced and most innovative care to patients.”

U-M and Metro Health already have worked together since 2009 when U-M began providing radiation oncology at The Cancer Center at Metro Health Village. Since then, clinical relationships have developed in pediatric cardiology and pediatric endocrinology.

“Our ability to work together in other areas paved the way for this affiliation,” said Marschall Runge, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president for medical affairs, dean of the U-M Medical School and CEO of the U-M Health System. “We are excited to further expand U-M services in west Michigan and to provide access to the highest quality care available to more Michigan residents. Working together, we will improve the health of our patients and our communities.”

The affiliation will enable Metro Health to further expand its research capabilities, primary care and specialty services, as well as use of complex medical technology.

Physicians, executives and community members from west Michigan will continue serving on Metro Health boards and committees, working closely with University of Michigan leaders.

“Truly, today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Metro Health’s history – one that builds on the incredible legacy which began in 1942 when 23 osteopathic physicians opened Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital,” Faas said. “I can think of no better way to honor our founders than to ensure Metro Health is able to grow and continue serving patients for years to come.”

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About Metro Health: An award-winning leader in community healthcare, Metro Health serves more than 250,000 patients annually from across West Michigan – and beyond. In addition to its 208-bed hospital -- which provides a comprehensive suite of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services -- Metro Health has a growing number of neighborhood outpatient centers and offices throughout West Michigan, as well as a community clinic for the underserved and a student health clinic on the campus of Grand Valley State University.

With more than 500 physicians on staff, Metro Health provides a growing number of specialty health services, including cancer treatment, heart and vascular, neurology, pulmonology and others. The hospital is committed to promoting health and wellness through the work of the Metro Health Hospital Foundation, Live Healthy community outreach classes and educational programs and more.

About University of Michigan Health System: At the University of Michigan Health System, we create the future of healthcare through the discovery of new knowledge for the benefit of patients and society; educate the next generation of physicians, nurses, health professionals and scientists; and serve the health needs of our citizens. We pursue excellence every day in our three hospitals, 40 outpatient locations and home care operations that handle more than 2.1 million outpatient visits a year.

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